what is a wendigo

A wendigo is a mythological creature or evil spirit originating from the folklore of Plains and Great Lakes Natives as well as some First Nations. It is described as a malevolent, cannibalistic, supernatural being that is strongly associated with winter, the north, coldness, famine, and starvation. The wendigo is said to invoke feelings of insatiable greed/hunger, the desire to cannibalize other humans, and the propensity to commit murder in those that fall under its influence. In most traditions, the wendigo is human in origin and becomes a monster through a process that results either from acts of starvation-induced cannibalism or from possession by a spirit. The transformation from human to wendigo is characterized by increasing selfishness, violence, hunger, and greed, particularly for human flesh. The wendigo is described differently across cultures, but common features include long limbs, long, sharp claws, and teeth, sunken or glowing eyes, and a foul stench or sudden, unseasonable chill might precede its approach. Wendigos are believed to have exceptionally sharp senses and superior strength and speed to stalk and overpower their victims. They are associated with colder climates among the woodlands and lakes of Canada and the northern United States. The concept of the wendigo has been used in literature and other works of art both by Native Americans and by others, including in works of social commentary and of horror fiction.